Peter De Leeuw

Peter “Pete” deLeeuw, born on December 2, 1944, departed this life on August 6, 2022 with his loving wife of 56 years and family surrounding him.

Pete was born to Lammert and Milken deLeeuw in The Netherlands, one of six children. At the age of 18, Pete left his homeland to study as a foreign exchange student at Victoria High School in Victoria, Texas. His life was forever changed when he sat beside Suzanne “Suzy” Jamison on the bus for a school field trip. He briefly returned to The Netherlands to complete a two-year military service requirement, then came back to Texas to marry Suzy and begin their life together.

Married on June 11, 1966, Suzy was the love of Pete’s life. From the day they met until his final moments, she remained the number one priority in his heart and mind.

Together they raised three children: Jenny, Kristi, and Keith. As is custom among his Dutch countrymen, Pete loved soccer, and he passed this love down to his children and grandchildren by coaching the sport at the youth level. He also cherished any opportunity to share his story of growing up in Holland by giving presentations at the kids’ schools.

While continuing to embrace his Dutch heritage, Pete became a U.S. citizen in 2010. Deeply patriotic, he loved America and was extremely proud of his adopted home.

Pete had a gift for establishing personal connections, and continually used this in the professional world.
He began his career as a salesman for IBM, winning multiple awards for top sales. With his entrepreneurial spirit, Pete transitioned into being his own boss as a real estate agent and investor. He finished his career as an insurance agent for Horace Mann, where he loved connecting with teachers and serving their needs.
In 1995, Pete and Suzy bought land out in the country in Burleson. Never one to shy away from hard work, he and Suzy worked tirelessly together to clear the land and design and build their dream home. He loved walking the property, often with his devoted pug Bugsy following closely behind.

Family visitation will be held at 1:30pm on Thursday, August 11 at Lucas & Blessing Funeral Home in Burleson, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 2pm immediately following visitation, with an interment service at Burleson Memorial Cemetery afterward. The service will be officiated by Reverend Ryan Cernero of Faith Church of Sherman, Texas. Pallbearers are Keith deLeeuw, Colby deLeeuw, Landon deLeeuw, Todd Estes, Nicholas Estes, Brian Jamison, Steve Munleeuw, and Justin Munleeuw. Honorary pallbearers are Jack deLeeuw, Nico deLeeuw, Harvie Jamison, Wyatt Munleeuw, and John Wilson.

Pete is survived by his loving wife, Suzy, daughter Jennifer Elise Estes and husband Todd of Sherman, Texas, daughter Kristine Renee Munleeuw and husband Steve of Fort Collins, Colorado, and son Keith Arrington Nolan deLeeuw and fiancée Grace Algabre, of Flower Mound, Texas.
Also surviving are his seven grandchildren to whom he was affectionately known as “Opa”: Emily Estes, Nicholas Estes, Justin Munleeuw, Wyatt Munleeuw, Colby deLeeuw, Landon deLeeuw, and Vivienne deLeeuw.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Lammert deLeeuw. Memorials may be made to St. Gabriel Hospice of Fort Worth, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of Lucas & Blessing Funeral Home. For more information, visit their website at lucasandblessingfh.com.